Last year, the Rowing Season was cut short due to COVID-19, so this season everyone returned a little bit hungrier and more determined to get as much out of the season as possible, cherishing every opportunity.

All crews raced numerous regattas throughout the season, and performed exceptionally well, making huge progress week-to-week. The second weekend in March saw the Head of School Girls Regatta take place on the Barwon River. It looked a little bit different this year with limited spectators allowed, however, racing proceeded in a three-day format providing exhaustive finals for all crews.

The Junior and Intermediate Crews raced with great enthusiasm and intent, and although not every race went to plan, they continued to challenge themselves to be the best they could be. The Junior Heyington Crew and the Junior Bernard Crew raced exceptionally well, claiming a silver medal in the Year 9 Division 5 Quad and Year Division 2 Quad Events respectively. The Intermediate Cross Crew also performed outstandingly throughout the regatta, rowing with exceptional length and rhythm, taking home the victory in the Year 10 Division 3 Quad.

The Senior Crews were dominant in their performances from Day 1 of the Regatta, both winning their heats and semi-finals convincingly. The St Catherine’s 120 raced the Final with courage and determination, taking the lead and complete control of the race within the first 500m of the race and crossing the line clearwater ahead of their competitors. The Fearless Girl then followed, hitting the start hard and putting themselves in front, holding a consistent margin of ¾ of a length for almost the whole race to take home the title for the Division 1 Eight. The Schoolgirl Eight divisions at the Head of Schoolgirls Regatta are highly competitive events, and in St Catherine’s 33 years of Rowing have never been won by the school. To win the Schoolgirl 1^st and 2^nd Eight Events is an incredible feat by our St Catherine’s Crews.

To culminate the Season, the St Catherine’s senior crews travelled to Lake Barrington to compete in the National Championships Regatta. Both crews raced in the Schoolgirl Open Eight event in which the competition was dominated by the Victorian Schools. The Fearless Girl raced valiantly to take home a silver medal and the St Catherine’s 120 placed 4^th in the B Final, knocking off numerous First eights from around the country. The St Catherine’s 120 also competed in the 500m sprint, and were victorious taking home a gold medal in this event. This season has been like no other. St Catherine’s Rowers have worked together to be the best team they can be and achieved so much success along the way. Congratulations to all rowers and coxes on an absolutely phenomenal Season.